June 25 - The Korean War Begins

This Day in History: 25 June 2020

 

25 June 1950

 

70 years ago, the Korean War began, after armed forces from communist North Korea attacked South Korea. Korea had been divided into zones of occupation after World War Two, but this temporary division soon became permanent, just like in Germany. The Soviets assisted in the establishment of a communist regime in North Korea, while the United States became the main source of financial and military support for South Korea. When the North Korean forces headed towards the South Korean capital, Seoul, the United States responded by pushing a resolution through the UN's Security Council. President Harry S. Truman rapidly dispatched US land, air and sea forces.

 

This American intervention turned the tide as South Korean and US forces marched into North Korea. However, this prompted the massive intervention from communist China, which would eventually turn the war into a bloody stalemate. In 1953, a cease-fire was signed between the US and North Korea to end the conflict, also resulting in the continued division of the two Korean nations. This was the first major war of the Cold War; over 55,000 American troops were killed. The American government's 'limited' goal of only protecting South Korea was essential in preventing the outbreak of a third world war, but proved to be frustrating for the American public, who were used to total victories that had been achieved in World War Two. This new concept was difficult to understand for many, so the Korean War never gained much popular support.

 

Want to find out more about the Korean War? Click here for more information, or here for a video that briefly explains the event.